This project aims to develop soybean germplasm with oil quality traits optimized for high value soy-based aquaculture feeds. The project is consistent with the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) 2019-2022 Strategic Plan priority of supporting research projects that find innovative soy utilization and/or identify new soy markets to maximize production and utilization of Nebraska soybeans. The research builds on past NSB funding that led to the development of soybeans containing the fish oil fatty acid EPA, astaxanthin for fish flesh pigmentation, and enhanced vitamin E antioxidants for improved fish shelf-life. The project will continue the development of germplasm producing these two high-value aquaculture feed components. This research will also be extended to generate soybeans that produce DHA, along with EPA, to more closely mimic fish oil-type fatty acids. The project will focus on strategies that enable the production of these enhanced oil traits without compromising seed performance and protein levels. Approaches will also be explored to increase oil content of EPA/DHA-enriched seeds. This trait may have added benefits for biodiesel applications. Overall, this research is expected to generate germplasm that produce EPA/DHA-containing oils alone or stacked with astaxanthin and vitamin.

The proposed research addresses the need for soybean germplasm with high-value oil quality traits for aquaculture feed.
The current soybean-based aquaculture feedstocks lack EPA and DHA omega-3 fish oil fatty acids and other oil-based
feed components. Because of these deficiencies, soybean-based aquaculture feed requires supplementation with fish oil
and high-priced astaxanthin flesh pigments, particularly for farm-raised salmon. In addition, oils with enhanced omega-3
fatty acid content are prone to oxidation, which reduces the shelf life of fish due to the development of off-flavors and odors.
The proposed research will address these limitations in oil quality for increased use of soybeans for aquaculture feed by:
1. Developing soybean germplasm with oils enriched in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Optimizing production of astaxanthin in soybean seeds.
3. Applying emerging synthetic biology techniques to stack EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acid, astaxanthin, and high vitamin E
antioxidant traits into Nebraska soybean germplasm.
4. Conducting physiological and field-evaluation of new aquaculture germplasm to optimize agronomic performance.

Aim 1. Developing soybean germplasm with oils enriched in EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.
Aim 2. Optimizing production of astaxanthin in soybean seeds.
Aim 3. Applying emerging synthetic biology techniques to stack EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acid, astaxanthin, and high vitamin E antioxidant traits into Nebraska soybean germplasm.
Aim 4. Conducting physiological and field-evaluation of new aquaculture germplasm to optimize agronomic performance.

Updated May 19, 2023:

View uploaded report

The project has addressed the Nebraska Soybean Board focus area of germplasm improvement for composition and yield. The project has generated germplasm that produces seed oils with the key, high value traits: fish oil EPA, astaxanthin pigment for consumer-desired fish flesh color, and high vitamin E antioxidants to stabilize EPA from production of off-flavors. Nearly 50% of fish that is consumed globally is farm-raised, and this production system is anticipated to expand as world population grows, ocean stocks of fish dwindle, and consumers place more emphasis on fish for healthy diets. Soybean is and will increasingly be a major sustainable source of aquaculture protein and oil feedstocks. Our research will increase the bushel price of soybeans and deliver high value oil traits that will increase the market share of Nebraska and US soybean for the aquaculture feed market.

This project aims to develop soybean germplasm with oil quality traits optimized for high value soy-based aquaculture feeds, one of the most significant new markets for Nebraska soybean producers. Continued expansion of US and global aquaculture production requires development of sustainable feedstocks of land-based protein meal, omega-3 fish oils, and flesh pigments, which can be met in large part by soybean-derived feed. This project will improve oil quality traits to increase the amount of soybeans used in aquaculture feed. This is expected to translate into increased demand and expanded markets for Nebraska soybeans. The project builds on successes of the investigators from prior Nebraska Soybean Board funding that has generated soybean germplasm approaching commercially-viable levels of omega-3 fish oil-type fatty acids and astaxanthin pigment coupled with high vitamin E antioxidants for improved shelf life. This enhanced germplasm will be developed to supply multiple market streams for soybean-based aquaculture feed to increase profitability for Nebraska soybean farmers.